From Phi Phi: Full Day 7 Island Tour by Longtail with Sunset

Phi Phi’s best-known coves and beaches make a striking day out by longtail boat, with the route linking Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and a sunset stop. You get a fast-changing mix of cliffs, clear water, beach time, and snorkeling, rather than one long stay in a single place.

I like the variety of stops: you can swim in the lagoon, look for blacktip reef sharks at Shark Point, and stretch out on Bamboo Island’s pale sand. I also like that the trip includes a lunch box, fruit, water, and basic snorkel equipment, which makes the $33 fare useful value before the park charge.

The main catch is the combination of a long day and an open longtail ride. One reported trip involved repeated seasickness and a rough crossing, with no early return despite the group offering to cut the outing short. If you are prone to motion sickness, or need a flexible exit plan, think carefully before booking.

At a glance: seven stops and a sunset

• Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay: Visit the famous bay via its neighboring gateway, with free time to take in the setting.
• Pi Leh Lagoon: Swim or snorkel in clear water surrounded by steep limestone cliffs.
• Bamboo Island: Set aside time for soft sand, swimming, or a quiet break.
• Shark Point: Snorkel in an area known for blacktip reef sharks, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Classic longtail boat: Travel between the stops in an open boat, with a group capped at 20.
• Extra cost to plan for: Bring 400 THB in cash for the national park fee, separate from the $33 tour price.

A full day on the water, not a quick island hop

The tour starts at 10:30 AM and lasts about eight hours. That puts most of your day on the water, with a run of short visits and beach stops before the sunset ride back to Tonsai Bay.

The longtail is part of the appeal. It gives you an open view of the sea and islands, and the boat itself feels more local than a large enclosed vessel. But the same open design leaves you exposed to sun, spray, and rough water. The experience can feel exhilarating in good conditions and tiring when the sea gets choppy.

There are up to 20 people in the group. That is small enough to feel more manageable than a large boatload, but it is still a shared outing, not a private charter. You will follow the group’s timetable at each stop, and the whole boat’s plans shape the day.

The driver speaks English. No individual guide is named, so do not book expecting a specialist naturalist or a detailed history lecture. The tour promises sightseeing and an English-speaking driver, with snorkeling and swimming at selected stops.

Starting at the Marlin Statue in Tonsai Bay

Meet the Pantawan Tour staff at the Marlin Statue, in Tonsai Bay, 20 minutes before the 10:30 departure. The meeting point is on Koh Phi Phi. Some map apps may label it as Ao Nang, Krabi, which can send you looking in the wrong place if you rely on the location label without checking the pin.

There is no transfer from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang, or elsewhere. You must arrange your own trip to Koh Phi Phi and arrive at the meeting point in time. This is a key detail when comparing the fare with tours that include transport from the mainland.

Bring only what you need for the day. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so leave your suitcase at your accommodation rather than trying to carry it aboard.

Monkey Beach and Viking Cave: scenery before swimming

Monkey Beach is an early stop for coastal views and the chance to see monkeys in their natural habitat. Treat the animals as wildlife, not as a photo prop, and keep your belongings secure. The supplied details do not promise time for a swim here, so think of it primarily as a sightseeing visit.

Viking Cave follows as a sightseeing stop. The cave is tied to local traditions and stories, but the tour description does not specify whether you go inside. Expect to see it as part of the boat route rather than count on an extended cave visit.

These stops add variety to the day, though they are not the main reason to choose this tour if your priority is swimming or beach time. The highlights for that are Pi Leh Lagoon, Shark Point, and Bamboo Island.

Pi Leh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay: the water takes center stage

Pi Leh Lagoon is one of the day’s most appealing swimming stops. Its clear water and high cliffs make it a dramatic place to get in with a mask and snorkel. A mask and snorkel, plus a life jacket, are included, so you do not need to bring your own basic gear.

Swimming and snorkeling are planned here, but conditions can affect what feels comfortable. The boat ride between stops is exposed, and the itinerary may change with the weather. Pack a towel and water shoes, and keep a waterproof bag handy for anything you want to protect.

Loh Samah Bay is described as the gateway to Maya Bay. It gives you another vantage point on the coastline before the famous bay, rather than a separate beach day. The schedule calls this a hop-on, hop-off stop, but it does not spell out exactly how long you spend there. Keep expectations flexible and follow the crew’s directions.

Maya Bay: a famous name with limited time

Maya Bay is the marquee stop, known as the setting for The Beach. The draw is the natural setting: pale sand, clear water, and steep cliffs framing the bay. You have free time to visit, but the schedule does not give a fixed length of stay.

The park fee is 400 THB in cash, paid separately from the tour fare. It covers Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and national park areas for the day, and is payable once per day. Budget for it before you leave your accommodation, since it is not included in the $33 price.

The tour information does not promise swimming at Maya Bay, so plan to appreciate the bay and use the designated swimming stops elsewhere. This distinction matters: the famous view may be the main draw, but Pi Leh Lagoon and Shark Point are the places specifically listed for swimming and snorkeling.

Shark Point: snorkel with realistic expectations

At Shark Point, you can swim and snorkel in an area associated with blacktip reef sharks. The possibility of spotting these graceful animals adds a little thrill to the day, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Go for the snorkeling stop and treat a shark sighting as a bonus, not a certainty.

The tour description says the encounter is guided for safety, but it does not provide details about the guide or specific safety procedures. Use the life jacket if you need one, listen to the crew, and be honest with yourself about your comfort in open water.

Bamboo Island: the best chance to slow down

Bamboo Island offers a change of pace after the sightseeing and snorkeling stops. The appeal is simple: soft white sand, clear water, and time to relax or explore. If you want a proper beach break, this is the stop to look forward to.

The tour provides a lunch box, fruit, and drinking water, which helps make a full day more convenient. Still, pack sunscreen and a hat, and do not assume the included food replaces everything you might want to eat. The information does not specify the lunch menu.

The national park fee covers Bamboo Island as well as Maya Bay. That makes the cash charge easier to justify if you plan to visit both, though it remains a noticeable addition to a low headline fare.

Sunset on the way back

The day ends with a sunset view over the Andaman Sea, followed by the ride back to the Marlin Statue. The sunset is a fitting finish after a packed route, and the open boat gives you an unobstructed view when the weather cooperates.

The schedule lists sunset as a stop around the Phi Phi Islands, without naming a precise viewing spot or promising a particular sunset time. As with the rest of the day, weather and sea conditions can affect the plan. Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cold after swimming, though the tour information does not specify what clothing is best for the evening crossing.

What $33 gets you, and what it does not

At $33 per person, the fare includes eight hours on the route, a longtail boat, mask and snorkel, life jacket, drinking water, fruit, and a lunch box. For a day that visits several major Phi Phi sights, that is a reasonable base price.

The real cost is higher once you add the 400 THB cash national park fee. You also need to pay for your own transport to Koh Phi Phi, which can be a significant part of your overall travel budget depending on where you are staying. Compare the full cost and logistics, not just the tour fare.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Weather may alter the schedule. Tours can run in light rain if conditions are safe, while unsafe conditions may lead to a rescheduled trip or a full refund.

Practical packing and comfort tips

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Water shoes can help at beach and swimming stops, while a waterproof bag is useful for protecting valuables from spray.

Motion sickness deserves special attention. One reported trip included a passenger who vomited repeatedly, and the ride was described as very rough. The boat did not appear to return early, even though others offered to end the trip. That is one account, not a forecast for every day, but it is a good reason to consider your tolerance for a long open-boat ride and to plan accordingly.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95. Pets, alcohol, drugs, large bags, and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Who should book this Phi Phi tour?

This trip suits you if you want a busy, scenery-heavy day that covers several headline Phi Phi locations in one go. It is especially appealing if you enjoy snorkeling, can handle a long boat ride, and are happy with a shared group schedule.

It is less suitable if you want a slow beach day, need a private pace, or are uneasy about rough water. The itinerary packs in plenty, but that means less control over how long you linger at any one stop. The only written account of a problem raises a fair concern about how an illness on board may affect the group’s options.

I would book it if the route matters more to you than comfort and flexibility, and if you are already staying on Phi Phi or have made your own transport plans. I would skip it if motion sickness is a serious concern or if you need the option to turn back early. The islands and sunset are the payoff; the open boat and full-day schedule are the price of seeing them this way.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts approximately eight hours, departing at 10:30 AM.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet Pantawan Tour staff at the Marlin Statue in Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi, 20 minutes before departure.

Does the tour include transport from Phuket or Krabi?

No. You must arrange your own transport to Koh Phi Phi. The tour does not include transfers from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang, or other areas.

How much is the national park fee?

The fee is 400 THB in cash. It is separate from the tour price and covers Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and national park areas for the day.

What equipment and food are included?

The tour includes a mask and snorkel, life jacket, drinking water, fruit, and a lunch box.

Which places does the tour visit?

Stops include Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, Shark Point, Bamboo Island, and a sunset stop around the Phi Phi Islands.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are provided, and swimming or snorkeling is planned at Pi Leh Lagoon and Shark Point.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 20 people.

What language is spoken?

The driver speaks English.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The schedule may change with the weather. Tours can operate in light rain if it is safe. Unsafe conditions may result in a rescheduled tour or a full refund.